ST Status to Paharis Will Soon be a Reality
Present Time a High Time for Granting ST Paharis
BJP Fully Committed for Grant of ST Status to Paharis
BJP senior leader and MLC Vibodh Gupta, visited Pahari Hostel in Rajouri and took stock of the various problems being faced by the students. On this occasion, hostel residents who are from various remote corners of Pir Panjal put forth various day to day issues of the hostel before the visiting dignitary. They demanded adequate clothing and sports materials which are vital for their overall growth and development. Many students also attracted the attention of MLC and visiting officials towards poor condition of bedding of the hostel. While addressing a gathering at the lawns of the hostel Vibodh said that the present Government in the state as well as in the centre is fully committed for the upliftment of the poor and marginalized Paharis of the state. Giving details about the last week BJP state working committee meeting held at Srinager, Vibodh said that for supporting this genuine demand of Paharis a political resolution has also been passed. This he said will ensure that all the Paharis of the state will get their due very soon. While referring to the efforts of the state Government towards this Vibodh said that the State Government has already cleared all the hurdles for this and has recommended ST status for Paharis to the central Government. He further added that at the moment Central Government is working on various procedures and modalities for early grant of ST Status to the Pahari Community. Hoping that the ST Status will soon become a reality, Vibodh said that once the ST status is granted to the Paharis the State Government will fulfil its commitment as this issue is also part of the agenda of Alliance of the present Government.
While reacting to the demands of the students Vibodh immediately granted an amount of Rs. 2 Lakh to the hostel from his CDF. He said that this amount will be kept at the disposal of the Warden Pahari hostel who will purchase tracksuits, bed sheets and sports materials for the students on priority by following all the necessary procedures. Vibodh advised the students to concentrate on their studies as they have come to the hostel from the far-off areas and their parents have made a lot of sacrifices to ensure good and quality education for them. He concluded his address by saying that besides the grant of ST Status many more measures need to be initiated for the inclusive development of the Pahari community and areas where they live. Latter Warden of the Pahari Hostel Rajouri Mohd. Bashir Khan thanked MLC Vibodh Gupta for his visit and for granting of Rs. 2 Lakh out of his CDF for the purchase of various items which were urgently needed. Prominent among others who were present on the occasion included Atam Gupta, Shabaz Khan, Vinod Gupta, Kamal Bakshi, Nitta Kochar, Ranjeet Tara, Balbir Sharma, Raj Sarpanch and Sanjay Sharma.
